[ARC5] Question about VHF air band HT

[Dean Davidson]

In NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Aviation we use exclusive
VHF Airband frequencies for air to ground control.
The ground control personnel are Aviation Radio Operators (ARO).
Part of the ARO training is Civil aviation procedures but
included is the importance of Flight Following, load recording etc.
The water bombing aircraft of course use the assigned Civil Aviation
frequencies but also use the RFS frequencies when operating on RFS
tasks.
The Airbase radios are rack mounted ICOM airband units.

To get back to the email subject.
At the Airbase, we use the handhelds to talk to the pilots when
loading fire fighting retardants or for welfare purposes -
lunch, water etc.

Some times, a fixed airbase is not used. It is set up in a tent
on an airfield. In this situation, handhelds are essential!

Handhelds are an essential piece of equipment for aviation
fire fighting!!!

Dean Davidson VK2DJD
Secretary,
NSW RFS New England Zone Aviation Brigade.